Fifty Plus (50+) - Platform Pedals

Enough of this clipless crap ... anyone have a recommendation for a no-slip, high-grip platform pedal? The ones on my low bottom bracket recumbent are cheap. No interest in a clipless, this is for recreational riding and I don't have any problems of my feet slipping off of the pedals.

Here are five contenders.

The first are the Grip Kings from Rivendell, shown beside a standard MKS pedal. I don't like the two thin lines design of the MKS.

Second is Crank Brothers 5050X.

Third is the Sun Zu Zu

Fourth is the Odyssey triple cage

Fifth is the Wellgo MG-1 magnesium pedal

Does a recumbent eliminate the need to wear soccer shinguards when you use such pedals?

I've read comments by others referring to such a thing, but I have never experienced being hit in the shins by a platform pedal.

I like the Wellgo MG-1. Appairently so does my youngest son because he took mine to put on one of his bikes. I liked them well enough to buy new. The price is rather high.....................unless one is tempted to........................search Ebay...........................for MG-1..............................and acquire them from Hong Kong...........................:)


Yes indeed says Jimmy "Hong Kong, home of the shiney red pedal"

I've read comments by others referring to such a thing, but I have never experienced being hit in the shins by a platform pedal.

Appearantly there are a lot of people like you because they make so many different models. My son has some pedals on his freeride bike that have replaceable screw in studs. That pedal in the lower left corner looks like something one might see in the Tower of London.

I'll stick with my SPD's (Safe Pedal Drive).

Such pedals go under the nickname of "tenderizers".

I've got a pair of Kona Jack Sh*t pedals that I like.

Do you need these shoes to use those pedals?

Enough of this clipless crap ... anyone have a recommendation for a no-slip, high-grip platform pedal? The ones on my low bottom bracket recumbent are cheap. No interest in a clipless, this is for recreational riding and I don't have any problems of my feet slipping off of the pedals.

Here are five contenders.

The first are the Grip Kings from Rivendell, shown beside a standard MKS pedal. I don't like the two thin lines design of the MKS.

Second is Crank Brothers 5050X.

Third is the Sun Zu Zu

Fourth is the Odyssey triple cage

Fifth is the Wellgo MG-1 magnesium pedal

I just ordered the MKS touring pedals with some cages, should be here tomorrow. I'm tired of always carry my shoes on my rack and then switching when I get somewhere.

Where does your foot go on the Rivendell ones? On the horseshoe part or on the rectangle part?

The Rivendell pic is of two pedals. Their new Grip Kings are on the left, the classic MKS platforms are on the right. The image is meant to show how different they are. The Grip Kings are designed to maximize surface contact area.

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I knew you would weigh in with your two -- worth.

Enough of this clipless crap

Ouch! :(

Someone sounds angry. I think that recumbents need a roll cage and then if you fall to the side you just do a gentle roll. Or a good set of training wheels and that baby will never go over. Clipless scares me but I do love having the ability to pull up on a pedal. If I never rode up a hill, I would go back to platform pedals. I have a stationary recumbent with platform pedals and straps. One of the irritating things about riding it is that I have to hold my feet on the pedals or they want to fall off. What I need is a pedal which releases on the voice command of OH @@@@.

Speedplay Drilliums are the only way to go. bk

Speedplay Drilliums are the only way to go. bk

I've seen those recommended elsewhere. A bit pricey.

They look too sleek and fast for me!

I've got platforms on my flat-bar road bike too. And my hybrid and my Bridgestone city bike. My feet never slip off of any of them. When I was riding it up hills last week, I never noticed any problem. I have PowerGrips on my hybrid and so when I'm on the backstroke & try to pull up, it does feel like I am applying some upstroke pull. But when I do the same on my platforms, it feels exactly the same. And there is no effect on my speed uphills with or without the PowerGrip straps - even though they do hold my shoes tight to the pedal.

People write that they feel like they have to hold their feet onto the pedals with platforms. I was trying hard to lift my feet off of the pedals, while spinning at around 90 rpm, and was unsuccessful.

Performance has some nice ones that are on sale - Forte. If you check the web site all of the Crank Brother's Platforms are on sale as well! I have been reading a mountain biking instruction book by Brian Lopes and he recommends learning the basics on platforms instead of clipless. I have stayed with platforms on my touring bike and thought of upgrading to MKS Touring Lites.

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/f_thomas_2007/FortePedal.jpg

Performance & Nashbar always have those Forte platforms on sale. The sale prices do vary from week to week. In my first post I pictured one of the Crank Brothers pedals that they have on sale ... those are 2007 models that are discontinued and on clearance from many on-line e-tailers.

The MG-1's are the lightest of the larger DH style pedals made. They have sealed cartridge bearings. Reviewers seem to think that they have slightly less traction (and therefor are slightly less likely to damage your shins and calves) and are more comfortable to ride. They are however painted (many choices of colors for you OCP/Fred types) and the paint wears off exposing the bare metal underneath rather quickly.

The Ultimate platform pedal though is probably the Shimano PD-MX30 but the price will give you a nosebleed.

I have the Sun Zu-Zu on my road bike, Donna has the Wellgo's on her mtn bike, I have the Nashbar pedals on my mtn.bike. I like the Sun pedal best out of all of them, because the pedal is more concave and fits the foot better. A vote for the Sun pedals here!

Appearantly there are a lot of people like you because they make so many different models. My son has some pedals on his freeride bike that have replaceable screw in studs. That pedal in the lower left corner looks like something one might see in the Tower of London.

I'll stick with my SPD's (Safe Pedal Drive).

You haven't lived till you've had a pair of triple cage pedals on a bike. Yet another thing to remind you that you only have so much blood in the body. Caught the shins first of all and ripped them to pieces. Then caught the Calf muscle and I honestly thought it was E R Time. Didn't stop bleeding till a Driver stopped his car and put a bandage on it for me. He was following me as I tried to get home and the blood was all over the front of his car.

AND- The lad I did a ride with the tandem on last September recently changed over to SPD's on one of his bikes. He has just bought the second pair for his second bike as he can't ride the bikes without them.

http://www.performancebike.com/product_images/500/00-0427-BLK-ANGLE.jpg

I have these, $24-ish right now from Performance. Not bad at all in the slippage dept. - which is why I bought them. Only problem I've had so far was that one of the screws holding the cleat on decided to become one with the roadside junk somewhere, so I had to re-assemble with lok-tite. I think SmashBar sells this same pedal with their name on it.

I have a near identical pair of those on my flat bar road bike. But wanted to get something with a bit more stick-tion on my recumbent, as I don't have much weight over the pedals on it.

I have the Sun Zu-Zu on my road bike, Donna has the Wellgo's on her mtn bike, I have the Nashbar pedals on my mtn.bike. I like the Sun pedal best out of all of them, because the pedal is more concave and fits the foot better. A vote for the Sun pedals here!

I use the Suns as well..like them the best both summer and snow and ice covered winters..:)

I've read many threads on the various clipless types. Is there any such beast as a clipless that barely clips you in? Something that would exist primarily to keep your foot in place as you spin, but your shoe could pop out of easily - even in the middle of falling over. Where it would barely let you pull up on the upstroke before it would pop off?

The platforms with pins, such as the Sun Zu-Zu, Wellgo MG-1, and Speedplays act much this way to me. My foot stays in place ... but it doesn't necessarily mean it is in the right place.

My PowerGrips are the closest thing I've found to a clipped-in experience that has a very easy out. Frankly, I like something that is even easier to get out of than them.

Step right up ladies and gentlemen. Take a good look at the 21st century unclipped clipless pedals. This new invention has revolutionized (got it) the art of spinning you feet around in circles. Not SPD's, not Frogs, no.......nothing so crass as a mechanical attachment.

Magnets.............the power of the universe. Little electromagnets powered by the dynamo in your hub. The faster you go, the tighter your feet are attached to the bicycle yet.............when you are slowed down by pesky traffic.............you feet almost fall off of their own accord.

Hey.......don't touch the product kid.........that's the only working model this side of the Mississippi.

Once sold under the famous Dura-A** label and now liscensed to SCRAM, these babies weigh but a few grams and cost less than an ABM missle system. Step right up, plonk down a 10% handling charge and get on the reservation list for your very own set.

Hey.........kid...........I told you not to touch the product..........................


Step right up everyone..........................

Where can I buy them?

I'm about to install those strapless plastic toe clips on one of my bikes to try that system out. Picked up a pair for $6.

I've read many threads on the various clipless types. Is there any such beast as a clipless that barely clips you in? Something that would exist primarily to keep your foot in place as you spin, but your shoe could pop out of easily - even in the middle of falling over. Where it would barely let you pull up on the upstroke before it would pop off?

The platforms with pins, such as the Sun Zu-Zu, Wellgo MG-1, and Speedplays act much this way to me. My foot stays in place ... but it doesn't necessarily mean it is in the right place.

My PowerGrips are the closest thing I've found to a clipped-in experience that has a very easy out. Frankly, I like something that is even easier to get out of than them.

The strapless mini-clips work very well for what you describe.

I'm about to install those strapless plastic toe clips on one of my bikes to try that system out. Picked up a pair for $6.

Wife has those on her bike and I have to admit that they work.

http://www.performancebike.com/product_images/500/00-0427-BLK-ANGLE.jpg



Enough already. These are not platform pedals. And the MKS Classic "Platform" Pedals are not platform pedals. Those are both fine, functional examples of pedals with plain cages. Nothing wrong with them, if they work for you.

Be expressive with Nashbar.

If you REALLY want grip, I recommend the Syncros Mental pedals:

http://www.syncros.com/images/pedal_mental_alloy_blk.jpg

I've run the Alloys (pictured above) for two or three seasons and am now running the Mags. They are hands-down the grippiest platforms out. Each pin is v-grooved at the top for extra bite. Be careful though: they are angry, hungry-for-meat things. Here are the Mags on my new ride:

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t162/dminorwa/Blindside/IMG_0893.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t162/dminorwa/Blindside/IMG_0896.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t162/dminorwa/Blindside/IMG_0898.jpg

Faint of heart need not apply.......................Oh, you were talking about the pedals.

Nice bike D.......:)

I saw those Nashbar gizmos the other day when I was looking around. The guitar doesn't look too bad, and it is on sale. If I had a nice lookin' cruiser for riding around town, I might be tempted.

I've read many threads on the various clipless types. Is there any such beast as a clipless that barely clips you in? Something that would exist primarily to keep your foot in place as you spin, but your shoe could pop out of easily - even in the middle of falling over. Where it would barely let you pull up on the upstroke before it would pop off?

I almost gave up on clipless pedals until I stumbled onto the combination of Shimano SPD pedals and the silver, multi-release cleat. Once I found the combination that works for me I've been afraid to try anything else.

But..but.. don't you understand that clipless means you NEED to have NEW SHOES?
How can that be a bad thing?


I keep forgetting you guys are all...guys

I bought the grip kings, have only about 300 miles on them but they are the best platforms I've used, good grip and they look nice also

The Specialized platforms that I stole from the 15yr old that eats my food work just fine. They look like the third and last images in the OP. Regular bike, not a 'bent.

I have the Sun Zu-Zu on my road bike, Donna has the Wellgo's on her mtn bike, I have the Nashbar pedals on my mtn.bike. I like the Sun pedal best out of all of them, because the pedal is more concave and fits the foot better. A vote for the Sun pedals here!

Why do you like the concave shape? The bottoms of my shoes are flat.

I've got platforms on my flat-bar road bike too. And my hybrid and my Bridgestone city bike. My feet never slip off of any of them. When I was riding it up hills last week, I never noticed any problem. I have PowerGrips on my hybrid and so when I'm on the backstroke & try to pull up, it does feel like I am applying some upstroke pull. But when I do the same on my platforms, it feels exactly the same. And there is no effect on my speed uphills with or without the PowerGrip straps - even though they do hold my shoes tight to the pedal.

People write that they feel like they have to hold their feet onto the pedals with platforms. I was trying hard to lift my feet off of the pedals, while spinning at around 90 rpm, and was unsuccessful.

Why not put PowerGrips on it. They seem like a good pedal.

I like the Rivendell MKS "sneaker" pedal which is a $20 platform pedal. It is light weight and doesn't bark up the shins as badly as some of the other, heavier, more aggressively spiked metal pedals.

Maureen

I'd prefer something I can get into quicker than PowerGrips. It always takes me a few revolutions to get my feet fully inserted into them, I have to "worm" them in. And that's with the PG setup to their maximum opening. I think it is because I wear wide shoes.

On my bent, I'd need my shoes to go right into them, because it's less stable when one is putzing around with the pedals. On my hybrid, where they are installed now, it doesn't matter if it takes longer.

My feet do come out of the PG much faster than they go in.

I like the Rivendell MKS "sneaker" pedal which is a $20 platform pedal. It is light weight and doesn't bark up the shins as badly as some of the other, heavier, more aggressively spiked metal pedals.


I like the sneaker type pedals too, have a set something like them on my city cruiser. But on my recumbent I need something my shoe stick to better.

I keep reading posts about pedals tearing up shins. Do people experience this a lot? I can't remember my pedals ever raking across my shins. Is this a mountain biking thing?

Just curious what kind of shoes do you waer with all these different brands of platform pedals?

I'd prefer something I can get into quicker than PowerGrips. It always takes me a few revolutions to get my feet fully inserted into them, I have to "worm" them in. And that's with the PG setup to their maximum opening. I think it is because I wear wide shoes.

On my bent, I'd need my shoes to go right into them, because it's less stable when one is putzing around with the pedals. On my hybrid, where they are installed now, it doesn't matter if it takes longer.

My feet do come out of the PG much faster than they go in.

I understand I felt the same way with toe clips. That's why I went clipless.

Ok Tom let me show my ignorance some more. If you have some clipless pedals which have metal cleats, would it be possible to grind the cleats down so that they really don't hold your feet to the pedals but just align your feet to the correct position and keep your feet from sliding off the pedal?

With my platform pedals I have found that it is more important to chose the right shoe to ride with that to pick the right platform pedal. With my atb competitor pedals, some sneakers have the groves on the bottom at just the right place to work with the pedals and some shoes have a sole pattern which will not engage the pedal in anyway to help stabilize the two.

We need to know what the gravity game riders are using on their bikes. I can't ever see myself doing what they do unless I am having the worst accident that I have ever had.

Ok Tom let me show my ignorance some more. If you have some clipless pedals which have metal cleats, would it be possible to grind the cleats down so that they really don't hold your feet to the pedals but just align your feet to the correct position and keep your feet from sliding off the pedal?

With my platform pedals I have found that it is more important to chose the right shoe to ride with that to pick the right platform pedal. With my atb competitor pedals, some sneakers have the groves on the bottom at just the right place to work with the pedals and some shoes have a sole pattern which will not engage the pedal in anyway to help stabilize the two.

We need to know what the gravity game riders are using on their bikes. I can't ever see myself doing what they do unless I am having the worst accident that I have ever had.

Just look at the pictures of Dminors downhill bike above. Freeriders (gravity games etc) and downhillers pretty much use the same pedal and a lot of the other equipment on the bike is similar. They are not as interested in weight as in downright brutal strength. In both types of riding it can ruin your day to have something break.